Dining & Imbibing with a View

In broad daylight on a side street or by the light of the silvery moon on a rooftop, dining and drinking alfresco in NYC is an experience not to be missed. There’s something about summer that brings out the creativity in local chefs and mixologists and drives them to excellence. And consider this: With the skyline spread out before you or even just an intimate piece of it, there’s no denying where you are. So, make the most of the weather, the cuisine and the locale.

HGU Rooftop by John DeLucie

If you were to close your eyes and taste Chef John DeLucie’s cool shrimp ceviche, you would swear that you were dining by the Atlantic Ocean in Montauk on Long Island. But don’t close them. At this Midtown Manhattan aerie, the Empire State Building is on the horizon.

HGU NEW YORK HOTEL, 34 E. 32ND ST., 212.779.3432, WWW.HGUNYC.COM

Piggyback Bar

As a hip destination, Jersey City trends hot, and this Asian gastropub from “Top Chef ” alumna Leah Cohen is one reason why. Here, you can break the heat with a frosty beer, a spicy burger and views of the Lower Manhattan skyline that send chills up and down the spine.

HARBORSIDE, 200 HUDSON ST., JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY, 201.345.7775, WWW.PIGGYBACKBAR.COM

The Cantor Roof Garden Bar

This summer, art lovers raise bourbon-and white-peach “Poptails,” served with prosecco, and toast Alicja Kwade’s “ParaPivot” installation on the roof of the Metropolitan Museum. As you gaze at the artwork and Central Park beyond it, you will hear the music of the spheres.

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, 1000 FIFTH AVE., 212.535.7710, WWW.METMUSEUM.ORG

The Beach at Dream Downtown

Dress down not up at this eco-friendly poolside restaurant and bar, where you can lounge in your swimsuit, catch a few rays and indulge in Pacific Island-inspired fish tacos and lobster rolls. The straw you sip your Femme Fatale cocktail through is biodegradable.

DREAM DOWNTOWN HOTEL, 355 W. 16TH ST., 212.229.2336, WWW.DREAMBEACH.CLUB

Summer Garden and Bar at Rock Center Café

New York real estate is all about location. And Rockefeller Center has lucked out in that department: It’s smack-dab in the center of Midtown. Diners seeking refreshment in this oasis, presided over by the gilded Prometheus statue, find it at breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner. American faves include trendy avocado toast and buttermilk chicken bites to share. There’s even a menu just for kids.

20 W. 50TH ST., 212.332.7620, WWW.SUMMERGARDENANDBAR.COM

The Four Seasons Restaurant Outdoor Terrace

Just because the stylish restaurant serves outdoors in warm weather doesn’t mean it sacrifices any of the high standards for which its cuisine is known. The terrace menu (which can also be enjoyed indoors at the bar) features a vegan cauliflower steak as a starter. For a main course, the choice can be between petit filet and crispy bass. And for dessert, cantaloupe granita melts on the tongue.

42 E. 49TH ST., 212.754.9494, WWW.FOURSEASONSRESTAURANT.COM

Time Out Market New York

At 24,000 square feet on two floors, the newest kid on the culinary block is a scene: a melting pot of two dozen top eateries—from Ivy Stark (Mexican) to Little Ada (Middle Eastern) to Mr. Taka (ramen)— three bars, a performance stage and exhibition space. Up on the roof, the unimpeded views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and skyline are every bit as delicious and varied has the food.

55 WATER ST., DUMBO, BROOKLYN, 917.810.4855, WWW.TIMEOUTMARKET.COM/NEWYORK